Nintendo Switch 2 pre-sale frenzy crashed Best Buy’s website on April 24, 2025. Discover why, how it affected fans, and tips to secure yours.
The Nintendo Switch 2 pre-sale on April 24, 2025, sent gamers into a frenzy, but it also brought major retailers like Best Buy to their knees. With fans eager to secure the new gaming console, Best Buy’s website crashed under the weight of massive traffic. This blog dives into why the outages happened, how other retailers struggled, and what you can do to get your hands on the Switch 2. From tariff delays to scalping woes, here’s everything you need to know about this chaotic launch.
What Caused the Website Crash at Best Buy?
Best Buy’s website crashed when the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-sale began at midnight ET. Customers faced lengthy virtual lines beginning at 9 PM on April 23, 2025, and after waiting for 47 minutes, they encountered error pages or timeouts. Users on X complained about site crashes and inactive pre-order buttons, which caused Downdetector to record a spike in complaints. After a frustrating queue failure, one fan even canceled their Best Buy Plus membership. The sheer number of gamers vying for the $449.99 console or the $499.99 Mario Kart World bundle overloaded the site’s servers.
Other Stores Hit By Pre-Sale Chaos:
The struggle wasn’t just Best Buy’s. For hours, Target’s website was unavailable, preventing customers from creating accounts or checking out. Virtual lines and Walmart’s CAPTCHA system irritated customers; Downdetector recorded almost 1,500 complaints. GameStop experienced high traffic as well, opening pre-orders later at 11 AM ET. Major retailers experienced widespread outages, which brought attention to the difficulties in handling launches with high demand. As a result, many fans were left without anything, as supplies quickly ran out.
Reasons for Buying a Nintendo Switch 2:
The demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 is Hyped. It features magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, a 7.9-inch 1080p display, and backward compatibility with original Switch games. Additional appeal was provided by the Mario Kart World bundle, which was only available until the fall of 2025. Eager to get their hands on the console before its June 5, 2025, release, fans flocked to retailer websites in search of these features. When websites crashed, it was even more chaotic because the pre-sale was a hot ticket due to the promise of improved gaming experiences.
The Delayed Pre-Sale and Tariffs:
President Trump’s tariffs on goods from China and Vietnam, where the Switch 2 is made, caused the pre-sale to be moved from April 9, 2025, to April 24. Nintendo maintained the console’s $449.99 price despite increased manufacturing costs due to these tariffs, though some accessories saw price increases. Because of the increased anticipation caused by the delay, retailers were ill-prepared for the spike in traffic. This outside element contributed to the website outages by adding complexity to an already risky launch.
Increased Fan Frustration and Scalping:
Gamers expressed their ire on X, referring to the pre-sale as a “tech meltdown.” Orders were canceled for some, and Walmart moved deliveries to June 10 for others, even though they had promised June 5. Scalpers made quick money, selling Switch 2 units on eBay for at least $600. “Best Buy crashed minutes after launch, and now scalpers are winning,” complained one X user. Many fans felt defrauded by the combination of scalping and technical glitches, and social media was ablaze with discussion about the chaotic event.
How to Protect Your Switch 2 Nintendo:
Did you miss the pre-sale? Keep your hope alive. Before the June 5 launch, stores like Best Buy, Walmart, and GameStop might replenish their inventory. Pre-orders for the My Nintendo Store will begin on May 8, 2025, with priority given to Switch Online members who have completed 50+ hours of gameplay and paid for a full year. Another choice is to place an in-store pre-order at GameStop or another retailer. Verify availability at nearby stores and take quick action when restocks occur.
Final Thoughts,
Best Buy’s website outages stole the show during the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-sale, which was a frenetic mix of excitement and annoyance. The launch tested gamers’ patience due to issues like scalping, sold-out stocks, and tariff-driven delays. You can still protect your Switch 2 by being aware of the essential features of the console and responding promptly to restock alerts. To be a part of the next generation of gamers, keep an eye on My Nintendo Store and reliable merchants. Stay informed, and don’t let the chaos stop you from enjoying this epic console.
